By HOWIE STALWICK, SPECIAL TO THE P-I

Published 10:00 pm, Tuesday, November 25, 2008

PULLMAN -- The game-winning field goal had barely slipped through the uprights when the green carpet of Martin Stadium was suddenly transformed into a sea of crimson crazies.

When thousands of Washington State fans flooded the field to celebrate the Apple Cup victory last Saturday, more bodies crashed into one another than during the game itself.

"I couldn't breathe in there, I really couldn't. I had to get out," WSU senior offensive tackle Vaughn Lesuma said. "It was really that tight.

"Pullman, the Cougar faithful, the students, the alums -- they were just waiting for something to happen all year, so that (celebration) was expected. It was a build-up.

"I'm just really happy we could give them something to get out of their seats for. For it to be the Apple Cup just made it that much more special."

Lesuma's final college game, Saturday night at Hawaii, also will be special for him. Vaughn and younger brother Reed, a reserve offensive lineman on the Cougars, grew up in Laie, Hawaii. The brothers watched high school and college games at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.

The Lesumas expect about two dozen friends and family members to attend Saturday's game at Aloha. The Warriors are traditionally tough at home, and visiting teams can easily be distracted in Hawaii.

"We won pretty much the important game of the year, the Apple Cup," Vaughn said. "Now we're headed to a place where it is worldwide known as a vacation spot. We need to realize we're going down there for business."

The 6-5 Warriors are 28 1/2 -point favorites over the 2-10 Cougars. The Warriors will play in the Hawaii Bowl if they beat WSU or No. 16 Cincinnati next week.

Hawaii operates a pass-happy, run-and-shoot offense similar to the one used by Portland State. The Vikings were the only team Washington State had defeated (48-9 on Sept. 20) before the 16-13 double-overtime win over Washington.

Hawaii's offense, one of the most potent in the country for years, has been inconsistent after losing quarterback Colt Brennan and other key players from last year's 12-1 team. But the Warriors topped 40 points in each of their past two games in wins over weaklings New Mexico State and Idaho.

Greg McMackin, a longtime assistant coach who spent several years working under Dennis Erickson (including 1995-98 with the Seahawks), was promoted to replace June Jones as head coach after Southern Methodist hired Jones last winter.

GIBSON FINISHES: Brandon Gibson has repeatedly said he's glad he passed on the NFL draft and returned to WSU for his senior season despite all the losses and, for Gibson, perhaps more dropped passes than in his first three seasons combined.

WSU coach Paul Wulff said he believes Gibson tried to do too much at times this season, leading to the drops. Wulff said Gibson has been a loyal soldier during a challenging season, but coach and player agree that Gibson has been "frustrated" at times with the play of himself and his teammates.

Gibson leads the Cougars with 56 catches, 655 receiving yards and two touchdowns (tied), compared with his 2007 numbers of 67 catches for 1,180 yards (which led the Pac-10) and nine TDs. He ranks first in WSU history with 2,738 receiving yards, second with 181 catches (Michael Bumpus had 195) and sixth with 17 touchdown receptions.

Wulff announced Tuesday that Gibson has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl all-star game Jan. 24 in Mobile, Ala.

WULFF REFLECTS: When Wulff was asked what he has found most challenging in his first season at WSU, he talked at length about the never-ending injuries, playing five quarterbacks -- "I've never dreamed that would ever occur" -- and just getting to know his players better.

"As coaches, we don't have all the answers," Wulff said. "It's hard to come up with answers when you don't even know your players.

"In the heat of battle, over a period of time ... what are their strengths? What are their weaknesses?"

FUTURE GAMES: The Cougars still are looking for one more game next year. Athletic director Jim Sterk said delays in ESPN's plans for Pac-10 games has complicated scheduling issues.

The Cougars are scheduled to open the season Saturday, Sept. 5, at home against Stanford, but Sterk said the date might change for TV. Hawaii still appears set for WSU's annual "home" game at Qwest Field in Seattle, but Sterk is keeping his options open if a more attractive opponent becomes available for the Sept. 12 game.